This should probably be on the other thread.
I think the value of being gold has a lot to do with the MSPs you work for. Some could care less about certification. I've recently been working for a company that:
1. Sends out job offers to gold shoppers first.
2. Allows gold shoppers more leeway in the reporting timeframe.
3. Allows gold shoppers to schedule more jobs than other shoppers.
I've more than recouped my $99 with this MSP alone. $300+ in the last 2 months.